One of the foremost British ensembles, the Kreutzer specialises in new music and has already made many recordings for Metier and other labels. This superb film is not only the record of brilliant performances of major modern quartets and fine entertainment, it is also a valuable and rewarding tool for observing how the players of an ensemble communicate and interact, especially in works like that of Lutoslawski which allow performers a degree of choice. Above all it is a demonstration that music very often should be seen as well as heard.

This disc is universal-play (Region 0) and doublesided PAL/NTSC so will play in any country.

playing time: 74.18 (performances)

video sample: extract from Lutoslawski Quartet (mp4)

Also available as an audio-only digital download from Classics Online , Amazon and iTunes

“This is an important Kreutzer Quartet production. The performances of all this music are riveting and have captivated listeners who would normally find engagements with some of this music far from easy. Recommended for essential purchase.” – Peter Grahame Woolf (Musical Pointers)

“Any release spunky enough to embrace Ligeti's and Finnissy's Second Quartets..is OK by me. These films are edited to mirror something of the composer's approach to structure but, more significantly, to allow viewers to see the physical interaction between player and instrument. Stravinsky was right: we hear these moves, see the sounds differently. - Philip Clark (Gramophone)

“An apt verdict on the Kreutzer readings is that of veteran music commentator Peter Graham Woolf, He said of Metier's DVD: ‘The performances of all this music are riveting and have captivated listeners who would normally find engagements with some of this music far from easy. Recommended for essential purchase.' Regarding the entire DVD we are informed [by Metier] that it is: 'a valuable and rewarding tool for observing how the players of an ensemble communicate and interact, especially in works like that of Lutoslawski which allow performers a degree of choice.' Statements in the sales pitch are self-evident. “ – Howard Smith (Music & Vision)

“[The Kreutzers'] playing is vivid, technically assured and strongly characterful throughout, and there's a real sincerity to the performances with no sense of acting up for the camera. There are times where watching the performer really adds to the musical experience.” – David Kettle (The Strad)